John Nevarez approaches his art and his relationships the same way. Whether he encounters a new, blank page or a new person, John sees the opportunity to freely explore new and inspiring ideas.

The whimsical energy in his sketches combined with his delightful personality has made him one of the most reputable professionals in the animation industry.

His stellar career spans from storyboard revisionist to visual development artist, with stops along the way at every major animation studio, including Disney, Sony, Illumination, and Pixar.

Today we discuss:

• John’s iconic, visceral drawing style…
• Just saying no to your eraser…
• And what two dozen rejection letters gets you.

NEXT: JOHN TALKS ABOUT ::

• What that first day at Pixar is really like,
• Sneaky ways to get your work noticed,
• And the secret to staying sane in this crazy business…

AWESOME LINKS ::

John Nevarez

Music by Storybook Steve and Kangaralien

From his time at Titmouse, working on shows like China, IL to developing Nick Shorts, Todd Favela has first-hand experience that tight deadlines and high-calibre 2D animation can go hand-in-hand. Traveling through animation with his eyes and mind wide open, Todd is continually honing and building on his increasingly vast animation knowledge.

Today, in part one, Todd talks about:

• His on-the-job animation education
• Maintaining quality on tight, TV deadlines
• His animation insights on acting, overshoots, and... Face-Ships
• Trusting your gut
• The boldness of asking and where it can take you

Orli Zuravicky is a Senior Editor at Scholastic and the author of the forthcoming Happily Ever Afterlife middle grade novel series.

In this interview we talk about:

• How an Editor chooses an Illustrator.
• How to approach an Editor at a conference.
• How being an Editor helped Orli become a better writer.
• Why manuscript submissions get rejected.
• Why there are more opportunities in Kidlit now than ever before.

AWESOME LINKS ::

Orli Zuravicky

Scholastic Publishing

Happily Ever Afterlife (Shawna’s Affiliate Link)

Connect with Shawna on Twitter

Music by Ryan Keith and Wes Cepin

From his time at Titmouse, working on shows like China, IL to developing Nick Shorts, Todd Favela has first-hand experience that tight deadlines and high-calibre 2D animation can go hand-in-hand. Travelling through animation with his eyes and mind wide open, Todd is continually honing and building on his increasingly vast animation knowledge. Today, in part one, […] The post Interview with Animation Explorer Todd Favela (Part 1) :: DIY Animation Show #7 appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.

In part one of our interview with Brynn Metheney, we talked about her childhood in the desert, how her father’s job as an engineer helped her understand creature design, and how she makes her animals feel so real…

In part two, Brynn shares some nitty gritty drawing tips and practical ways to improve when your artistic growth seems slow.

She traces her path from obsessive animal doodler, to official creature teacher and talks about the benefits of specialization.

Ejiwa Ebenebe –

AWESOME LINKS ::

BrynnArt.com

Brynn on Facebook

Brynn on Twitter

Robert Hunt

Dugald Stermer

Music by Storybook Steve and Kangaralien

now a producer on The ArtCast – joins me as co-host.

Brynn Metheney puts the “dragons” in Dungeons & Dragons.

While many of her animals come from imaginary worlds, they look like they could exist in this one…

In part one of our interview, we talk about Brynn’s childhood in the desert, how her father’s job as an engineer helped her understand creature design, and how she makes her animals feel so real…

Spoiler alert: it does not involve sitting still.

Ejiwa Ebenebe – now a producer on The ArtCast – joins me as co-host.

AWESOME LINKS ::

BrynnArt.com

Brynn on Facebook

Brynn on Twitter

Robert Hunt

Dugald Stermer

Music by Storybook Steve and Kangaralien

In parts one and two, Jim shared some truly awesome DIY Animation hacks and talked about collaborating with the legendary Bill Plympton on Revengeance. Today, in part three, we discuss: More tips for recording DIY audio. The life and times of the Ghettomation Podcast. The one most vital thing Jim feels a DIY Animator needs. Listen to DIYA Episode […] The post Interview with DIY Animation Champion Jim Lujan (Part 3) :: DIY Animation Show #6 appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.

In parts one and two of our interview with Jim, we witness first-hand how his unstoppable spirit brings him to new exciting heights, from collaborating with Bill Plympton on Revengeance, to discovering on-the-fly DIY hacks, and more. It’s this indomitable spirit and ability to focus on what he likes that has enabled him to unapologetically make whatever he wants to make, however he wants to make it. His reward is a deep joy and excitement in his heart that shines through all his work.

… And a kick-butt attitude, to boot!

Today in part three, we discuss:

• More tips for recording DIY audio
• The life and times of the Ghettomation Podcast
• The one most vital thing Jim feels a DIY Animator needs

In part one, we talked about query letters and how to submit your work to an agent with Jennifer March Soloway, Associate Agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

Today in part two we talk about:

• Beginning writer? Learn more on how to get started!
• What makes a great Critique Group – and why you need one.
• Why you should learn to think like an Editor.
• What Jennifer looks for in a writing submission.
• Important things to consider before signing with an Agent.

AWESOME LINKS ::

Connect with Jennifer on Twitter

Andrea Brown Literary Agency

Connect with Shawna on Twitter

Music by Ryan Keith and Wes Cepin

LEARN MORE ::

Building Your Kidlit Career: Agents

Launching Your Kidlit Career (Part 2): Critique Groups

How to Gather Healthy Critique Groups and Collaborators

If Radiohead was a painter they’d be Frederic William Stewart.

Fred’s experimental mark-making is simultaneously raw but refined, deliberately spontaneous, visceral and inviting.

He was the first Background Painter on Nickelodeon’s epic animated series The Legend of Korra and today he holds a coveted role as a Dreamworks Visual Development Artist.

In this episode we talk about the early days on Korra, pushing the limits of digital media and why a diversity of influences will make your work stand out…

CHECK OUT FRED'S STUNNING PAINTINGS ::

Click here to see more of Fred’s work…

AWESOME LINKS ::

Fred’s Website

The Brush Club

Music by Storybook Steve and Kangaralien